Articles

“So many go into the field against Satan, and so few come out as conquerors; because all have a desire to be happy, but few have courage and resolution to grapple with the difficulties that meet them in the way to their happiness.”

These days, with regards to the festivities of 31 October, I can’t think of anything that truly frightens me. Sure, it’s easy to spook somebody when they are least expecting it, but often it’s quickly followed by a chortle from the prankster, and it’s receiver. That is to say; it’s all in good fun. But let’s not fool ourselves. For many of us, fear silently grips us in many ways.

I recently started reading the autobiography of John G. Paton. Those familiar John Paton can attest to the fact that he stands as a titan among missionaries for his Christian work in the New Hebrides during the mid-19th century. When he arrived in the tropical islands located in the South Pacific Ocean, entered an abominable and nightmarish environment.

Lunchtime at the Whitney household is probably the best time of the day for the kids. Not only for the fact that we have food (most all Whitneys love food), but Mom is reading the lunch-time devotional. Now, Dad is not that bad of a reader himself (if I do say so myself), however…

At one time in my life, I was told that I needed to be bolder. As a boy, I lacked confidence and tended to avoid conflict like the plague. I fared better by myself and supplemented that time by reading about great titans of history. I focused my reading on those whose sharp minds, courageous actions and uncompromising manners that could be called upon to lead the world through its darkest hours.